Amy set to reach magical milestone

1 August 2014 11:58am

By Graeme Gillespie

Amy Day will reacah 50 caps for Wales tonight against France.

Scrum half Amy Day will become just the second back in the Wales Women's squad to reach 50 caps when she walks out on to the Marcoussis pitch tonight in the opening game of the Women's Rugby World Cup against hosts, France (KO 7.45 UK).

Day follows in the footsteps of centre Elen Evans who reached the landmark in the World Cup warm-up match against USA.

On reaching the landmark, Wales head coach Rhys Edwards said: "Amy is like Elen in that they have both been around the squad for some time. Amy has also always had stiff competition for the number nine shirt in her playing career and even now with Sian Moore in the squad, she has a rival for the starting spot.

"She has never let her head drop and continues to improve."

Looking ahead to tonight's clash Elen Evans believes Wales have the weapons to make an impact and she believes her teammates can cause a shock when the tournament gets underway.

"Rachel Taylor and Sioned Harries are the ones to watch this World Cup," said Evans. "Sioned has been on the sevens circuit and she is just an awesome player.

"She is very effective in the tight or in the loose, she can slot in and pop up anywhere.

"Then you have Rebecca De Filippo in the centre who is a pure powerhouse. She can break the gain line and get us on the front-foot.

"We have Catrin Edwards up front who is a world-class prop. She gives us a great platform to attack from."
Wales will have to overcome a patch of poor form that has seen them only win once in eight outings.

But Evans reckons her Welsh teammates will flourish in the professional environment and is hoping to cause a shock on the first day of action.

She said: "Our first game is against hosts France. Taking them on the first day of the championship in their back-yard is the hardest thing you can do.

"We've got a mixture of experience and youth everywhere so we'll do our best at this World Cup."

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Pupils from Ysgol Castell Nedd and Ysgol y Dderwen will be the first to compete for Welsh Schools titles at the Millennium Stadium this season when they run onto the hallowed turf of the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday).